Retirement meant a new role as community builder

March 27, 2014

Barb Walker is no stranger to Edmonton. She is a doer. A game changer. And a positive and powerful force to be reckoned with.

Sorrentino's Compassion House owes a great deal of gratitude to Barb for all her tireless work making things happen. In fact, she was recognized with a life membership, the highest honour the Foundation can give.

John Cloutier changing lives and his business culture in the process

March 27, 2014

It seems that cancer has touched all of us in some way. A family member or a friend, maybe your neighbour. John Cloutier is no different. His family's cancer story led him to a long and committed relationship with Sorrentino's Compassion House.

John Cloutier discusses what happens when a company commits to a cause, and how with vision this commitment can change lives, and business culture in the process.

Kara Flynn from Syncrude Canada shares her thoughts

March 27, 2014

Syncrude Canada has been a long time supporter of Sorrentino's Compassion House, sponsoring the annual fundraising event Syncrude presents Fashion with Compassion as well as other initatives like the Growing Compassion campaign.

Many women who stay at the house for breast cancer treatment come from Fort McMurray.

Kara Flynn describes what the house means to the community of Fort McMurray and why Syncrude supports the operation of Sorrentino's Compassion House.

12 year old the new face of compassion

March 23, 2014

On the football field, heroes come in all sizes. Out on the turf you quickly realize that the greatest individual efforts make the team stronger. When the coach hands you the ball, you lead your team into the end zone.

So when Coach Smith of the Sherwood Park Peewee Bulldogs football team handed him a $20 bill and challenged him to ‘pay it forward,’ 12 year old Dawson Smadis took matters into his own hands. In just one week this visionary young man turned his $20 into more than $1,000 to put toward our Growing Compassion campaign.

Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo reflects a culture of caring

March 21, 2014

For many of the women who travel to Edmonton for breast cancer radiation treatments, the anxiety of leaving family and friends behind is overwhelming.

So when the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo heard that Sorrentino’s Compassion House was being forced to turn women away due to space, it was only natural that they stepped up with a $100,000 donation to help fund renovations.

Shannon

March 19, 2014

Shannon didn’t see it coming. Life was rolling along in Fort McMurray – a rewarding job, devoted husband, two teenage boys – and then, during a routine mammogram her doctor noticed a spot that warranted a second look. Just like that. One minute you’re focused on all the little details that make up a life and then suddenly nothing matters but the big picture: Survival. Two quick surgeries and Shannon was booking in for radiation therapy in Edmonton.

Shirley

March 17, 2014

For many women, being diagnosed with breast cancer is like waking into a nightmare; the fear of what is to come can be a source of depression, anxiety, and guilt. But for Shirley, a breast cancer survivor who embodies that prairie optimism and strength that defines Alberta women, it was just another chance to grow stronger.

“I have a very deep faith and to be able to share it with my friends and family, I just knew that no matter how long I had to live it would all be okay,” says the retired mother and grandmother with a light in her voice.

Patti

March 17, 2014

Having the love of your family as you battle breast cancer is a wonderful thing. But for Patti, who feels blessed to have lived at Compassion House during her radiation treatment in Edmonton, it’s all about the sisterhood.